Accelerated RN-BSN-MSN Hybrid Degree Pathway

A Hybrid RN-BSN-MSN Pathway that Works for F1 Visa Students

The Hybrid RN-BSN-MSN program at Minnesota State Moorhead offers a cohort-based pathway for RNs, including those living in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, to advance your nursing careers. Designed with international students in mind, this innovative program blends online coursework with select in-person experiences that foster community, connection, and collaboration—while preparing you to earn your BSN and MSN and gain the advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and global perspective needed to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

RN to BSN to MSN Hybrid Degree Pathway Program Highlights

  • Meets F-1 Visa Requirements: Designed with required in-person coursework to maintain your visa eligibility.
  • Efficient Pathway: Earn both your BSN and MSN degrees in a streamlined program that saves time and money.
  • Affordable Tuition: Moorhead offers competitive tuition rates with financial aid and scholarships available.
  • In-Person Connection: Engage in face-to-face learning and build strong relationships with classmates and dedicated faculty and advisors.
  • Accredited Excellence: Minnesota State Moorhead’s nursing programs are fully accredited, ensuring high-quality education and recognized credentials.

Who Should Apply for the Hybrid RN to BSN to MSN Program?

This pathway is designed for:

  • Registered Nurses with an associate degree looking to advance their education and career.
  • RNs living in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.
  • RNs who want the option to pursue advanced nursing roles, such as leadership, education, or specialized care.

Hybrid RN-BSN-MSN Program Structure

  • Phase 1: RN to BSN: Complete the RN-BSN application process and degree.
    • Be eligible for the Minnesota Public Health Nurse (PHN) Registration Certificate!!
  • Phase 2: MSN: In the final semester of the BSN degree completion, seamlessly transition into the MSN program – by completing the MSN application process.

Total Program Credits

  • RN-BSN Core: 21 credits
  • Dual Credit Courses: 10 credits
    • count toward both your BSN and MSN degree completion
  • Remaining MSN Core: 22 credits

*120 credits total to earn a bachelor’s degree and follow the Undergraduate Graduation Requirements Policy. Prior coursework must be evaluated to determine the exact credits needed to be awarded the bachelor's degree. Students will work with their assigned academic advisor to determine a progression plan that is best for them.

Accelerated RN to BSN to MSN Hybrid Degree Pathway Course Sequencing

The degree plan below is how you can complete the accelerated Hybrid RN-BSN-MSN pathway in an efficient manner. If you have already fulfilled some requirements your individualized plan may be shorter. You can work with your faculty advisor on your individual needs.

The four-year RN-BSN degree available from Minnesota State Moorhead includes the required satisfactory completion of 120 credits of college courses and includes 42 credits in the Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum (LASC), from 32-64 credits in a major area, and the remainder in electives.

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing & Master of Science in Nursing
  • Total Credits: 142 credits total (depending on prior coursework)
    • RN-BSN Core: 21 credits
    • Dual Credit Courses: 10 credits (Count toward both your BSN and MSN degree completion)
    • Remaining MSN Core: 22 credits
  • Catalog: 2026-2027
Fall Start Accelerated RN-BSN-MSN Hybrid Degree Pathway

International Student Friendly, Cohort Fall Start Progression Plan

First Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (1st Fall)
RN-BSN Core Course: WI NURS 301 Transitions (hybrid) 4
RN-BSN Core Course: NURS 303 Holistic Family Nursing (hybrid) 4
RN-BSN Core Course: NURS 348 Public Health Nursing (hybrid) 4
Total Credits: 12

You are required to follow the Graduate Courses Taken by Undergraduate Students Policy requirements and complete the Request for MSUM Undergraduate to Register for Graduate Credit at MSUM form to register for the BSN and MSN dual courses in your 1st Spring.
Spring (1st Spring)
RN-BSN Core Course: NURS 420 Gerontological Nursing (hybrid) 3
RN-BSN Core Course: NURS 472 Leadership and Professional Development (hybrid) 3
BSN and MSN Dual Course: NURS 615

Research and Evidence-Based Practice (hybrid)
12 hours on campus (2 days)
-4 hours campus-based class
-8 hours Student Academic Conference (on campus)

 3
BSN and MSN Dual Course: NURS 662 Patho, Pharm, Physical Assessment for Health Professionals (online) 3
Total Credits: 12
*Apply to MSN graduate admission provisional admission.
Summer (1st Summer)
RN-BSN Core Course: WI for major NURS 473 Professional Pathways (hybrid) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 600 Nursing Science, Ethical and Transcultural Theories (online) 3
BSN and MSN Dual Course: NURS 610 Holistic Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
Total Credits: 12
*Confer BSN degree and formally admitted to the MSN graduate program.

 

Second Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (2nd Fall)
MSN Core Course: NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (online) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement (hybrid)
12 hours MN public policy onsite experience-at the capital in St. Paul (2 days)		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 629 Educational Foundations and Teaching Strategies (hybrid)
12 hours in class on campus (2 days)		 3
Total Credits: 9
Spring (2nd Spring)
MSN Core Course NURS 638 Health Information Systems (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 640P MSN Practicum Capstone (hybrid)
100 hours of practicum		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 695 Professional Portfolio 1
Total Credits: 5
*Confer MSN graduate degree if NURS 695 is completed successfully.

Notes:

You should check with your employer and/or Financial Aid as they may require additional term credits for full-time funding.

  • MSN credits have a higher tuition rate than RN to BSN credits.
    • MSN tuition and fees
    • MSN credits cannot be included in undergraduate banded tuition.
    • MSUM’s MSN credits may not be transferrable to other MSN programs outside of MSUM.
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available by completing the requirements and enrolling in NURS 669, offered every term. CPT is an essential component of the MSN curriculum, providing an opportunity to apply and advance your nursing skills—not to continue your current employment. Students must demonstrate that their CPT experience represents a transition or elevation of skills beyond their existing role, in alignment with the master’s program. CPT cannot be guaranteed on day one, as all required processes must be completed to obtain proper approval in accordance with federal and university regulations.

*Official degree requirements can only be found in the Minnesota State Moorhead Bulletin/Catalog. The information on this webpage is a high-level overview of the degree. Please refer to the bulletin for up-to-date requirements.

Spring Start Accelerated RN-BSN-MSN Hybrid Degree Pathway

International Student Friendly, Cohort Spring Start Progression Plan

First Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Spring (1st Spring)

You are required to follow the Graduate Courses Taken by Undergraduate Students Policy requirements and complete the Request for MSUM Undergraduate to Register for Graduate Credit at MSUM form to register for the BSN and MSN dual courses in your 1st semester.
RN-BSN Core Course: WI NURS 301 Transitions (hybrid) 4
RN-BSN Core Course: NURS 303 Holistic Family Nursing (hybrid) 4
RN-BSN Core Course: NURS 472 Leadership and Professional Development (hybrid) 3
BSN and MSN Dual Course: NURS 615

Research and Evidence-Based Practice (hybrid)
12 hours on campus (2 days)
-4 hours campus-based class
-8 hours Student Academic Conference (on campus)

 3
BSN and MSN Dual Course: NURS 662 Patho, Pharm, Physical Assessment for Health Professionals (online) 3
Total Credits: 17
Summer (1st Summer)
RN-BSN Core Course: NURS 348 Public Health Nursing (hybrid) 4
RN-BSN Core Course: NURS 420 Gerontological Nursing (hybrid) 3
RN-BSN Core Course: WI for major NURS 473 Professional Pathways (hybrid) 3
BSN and MSN Dual Course: NURS 610 Holistic Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
Total Credits: 13
*Apply to MSN graduate admission provisional admission.
Fall (1st Fall)
MSN Core Course: NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (online) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement (hybrid)
12 hours MN public policy onsite experience-at the capital in St. Paul (2 days)		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 629 Educational Foundations and Teaching Strategies (hybrid)
12 hours in class on campus (2 days)		 3
Total Credits: 9
*Confer BSN degree and formally admitted to the MSN graduate program.

 

Second Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Spring (2nd Spring)
MSN Core Course NURS 638 Health Information Systems (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 640P MSN Practicum Capstone (hybrid)
100 hours of practicum		 3
Elective:   NURS or MHA elective (online) 3
Total Credits: 9
Summer (2nd Summer)
MSN Core Course: NURS 600 Nursing Science, Ethical and Transcultural Theories (online) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 695 Professional Portfolio-Plan B (hybrid)
Oral exam on campus (1 day)		 1
Total Credits: 7
*Confer MSN graduate degree if NURS 695 is completed successfully.

Notes:

You should check with your employer and/or Financial Aid as they may require additional term credits for full-time funding.

  • MSN credits have a higher tuition rate than RN to BSN credits.
    • MSN tuition and fees
    • MSN credits cannot be included in undergraduate banded tuition.
    • MSUM’s MSN credits may not be transferrable to other MSN programs outside of MSUM.
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available by completing the requirements and enrolling in NURS 669, offered every term. CPT is an essential component of the MSN curriculum, providing an opportunity to apply and advance your nursing skills—not to continue your current employment. Students must demonstrate that their CPT experience represents a transition or elevation of skills beyond their existing role, in alignment with the master’s program. CPT cannot be guaranteed on day one, as all required processes must be completed to obtain proper approval in accordance with federal and university regulations.

*Official degree requirements can only be found in the Minnesota State Moorhead Bulletin/Catalog. The information on this webpage is a high-level overview of the degree. Please refer to the bulletin for up-to-date requirements.

Summer Start Accelerated RN-BSN-MSN Hybrid Degree Pathway

International Student Friendly, Cohort Summer Start Progression Plan

First Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Summer (1st Summer)

You are required to follow the Graduate Courses Taken by Undergraduate Students Policy requirements and complete the Request for MSUM Undergraduate to Register for Graduate Credit at MSUM form to register for the BSN and MSN dual courses in your 1st semester.
RN-BSN Core Course: WI NURS 301 Transitions (hybrid) 4
RN-BSN Core Course: NURS 303 Holistic Family Nursing (hybrid) 4
RN-BSN Core Course: NURS 472 Leadership and Professional Development (hybrid) 3
BSN and MSN Dual Course: NURS 610 Holistic Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
Total Credits: 14
Fall (1st Fall)
RN-BSN Core Course: NURS 348 Public Health Nursing (hybrid) 4
RN-BSN Core Course: NURS 420 Gerontological Nursing (hybrid) 3
RN-BSN Core Course: WI for major NURS 473 Professional Pathways (hybrid) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (online) 3
Total Credits: 13
*Apply to MSN graduate admission provisional admission.
Spring (1st Spring)
BSN and MSN Dual Course: NURS 615

Research and Evidence-Based Practice (hybrid)
12 hours on campus (2 days)
-4 hours campus-based class
-8 hours Student Academic Conference (on campus)

 3
MSN Core Course NURS 638 Health Information Systems (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
BSN and MSN Dual Course: NURS 662 Patho, Pharm, Physical Assessment for Health Professionals (online) 3
       
       
Total Credits: 9
*Confer BSN degree and formally admitted to the MSN graduate program.

 

Second Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Summer (2nd Summer)
MSN Core Course: NURS 600 Nursing Science, Ethical and Transcultural Theories (online) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 640P MSN Practicum Capstone (hybrid)
100 hours of practicum		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
Total Credits: 9
Fall (2nd Fall)
MSN Core Course: NURS 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement (hybrid)
12 hours MN public policy onsite experience-at the capital in St. Paul (2 days)		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 629 Educational Foundations and Teaching Strategies (hybrid)
12 hours in class on campus (2 days)		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 695 Professional Portfolio
Oral exam on campus (1 day)		 1
Total Credits: 5
*Confer MSN graduate degree if NURS 695 is completed successfully.

Notes:

You should check with your employer and/or Financial Aid as they may require additional term credits for full-time funding.

  • MSN credits have a higher tuition rate than RN to BSN credits.
    • MSN tuition and fees
    • MSN credits cannot be included in undergraduate banded tuition.
    • MSUM’s MSN credits may not be transferrable to other MSN programs outside of MSUM.
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available by completing the requirements and enrolling in NURS 669, offered every term. CPT is an essential component of the MSN curriculum, providing an opportunity to apply and advance your nursing skills—not to continue your current employment. Students must demonstrate that their CPT experience represents a transition or elevation of skills beyond their existing role, in alignment with the master’s program. CPT cannot be guaranteed on day one, as all required processes must be completed to obtain proper approval in accordance with federal and university regulations.

*Official degree requirements can only be found in the Minnesota State Moorhead Bulletin/Catalog. The information on this webpage is a high-level overview of the degree. Please refer to the bulletin for up-to-date requirements.

Apply Today!

Advance your nursing career with Moorhead’s Hybrid Accelerated RN-BSN-MSN pathway and apply to the RN-BSN-MSN Program at Moorhead. This program is designed to help you succeed in advancing your career.

Questions? Contact Us

If you want more information or have questions, please contact one of the program coordinators below.

Amber Reed, DNP, MSN, RN, PHN (She/Her/Hers)
Professor of Nursing | RN-BSN Program Coordinator
School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
Send Email | Phone: 218.477.2100218.477.2100
HA
Kerri Spiering
Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment
Admissions
Alicia Swanson, EdD, MSN, RN, PHN, HNB-BC
Professor of Nursing | Graduate Nursing Program Coordinator | Chief Academic Nursing Administrator
School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
Send Email | Phone: 218.477.2418218.477.2418
HA 213G

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